Chapter Sixty Seven - Heated Moment - Maya's POV

I don't like the way he says that or the way his golden eyes gleam with challenge. Before I can ask what he means, Damian moves. And he isn't slow about it. I barely notice the shift in movement before he lunges at me. His arm extends toward me, aiming to knock me off balance. I react on instinct, shifting my weight and bracing my legs like he taught me. This time when his hand meets my shoulder, I don't stumble or fall. I grin, feeling victorious. But like all things, it's very short-lived. His foot kicks out toward my ankle while I'm distracted with my temporary achievement and before I can counter, I'm knocked down. I hit the ground with a hard thud. A sharp gasp leaves my lips as my back meets the dirt. My pride? Gone. My dignity? Crushed underneath his foot. His face appears above me as I gasp for breath, shadowed by the sun. His smirk is infuriating and makes me want to hit him. 'Better, but you hesitated." I groan as I flop my head back against the ground. 'I didn't exactly hesitate, but I was celebrating my small win until you knocked it out from under me." 'And that's why you lost. Never take your eyes off your opponent." He offers me a hand. 'You can't afford to lower your guard, even if we're in training. In a real fight, there is no time for small victories." I scowl at him, but accept his help. His grip is strong, steady, and he pulls me up effortlessly. 'Again," he says, almost too cheerfully. I wipe my hands on my yoga pants and sigh. 'You love throwing me to the ground, don't you? I'm going to be really sore tomorrow, so maybe we shouldn't continue." He tilts his head, pretending to think. 'Well, I do love it a little, but you need practice." I glare at him. It's almost like he's forgotten I'm human and can't tolerate the things they do, but I know I also asked for this. I wanted to be trained and now that I am, I'm regretting my choices. 'Alright," he says, holding his hands up in defeat. 'This time, try predicting my next move." 'And you expect me to do that how? I can barely predict your meals or anything else about you because I don't know you that well." 'Maybe you would if you let yourself." My glare never leaves. I don't know what to think of him. He's either angry and trying to stay away from me or I get this odd flirty version of him that makes me want to strangle him. I almost prefer the grumpy side. 'I can't read your mind," I state. 'No," he chuckles. 'But you can watch me. Watch how I shift my weight and the way my muscles move. Look for the signs of an attack." I exhale as I try to focus, but it's hard. And not because I can't stand here and watch someone move, but because of the glorious man in front of me. He's so handsome with that rugged jawline and dark stubble. Paired with his glowing eyes that should scare me to death, but don't, he's pretty much my dream man. Then he moves. I'm too enthralled with his looks and get my butt handed to me. When I'm on the ground, the air knocked out of me once more, I stare up at the sky and can't believe I let him do this again. 'Try again," he says and I notice his hand right in my peripheral vision. I take it and stand, this time determined to not be caught off guard. 'Go again." I see it this time. There is a subtle twitch in his legs before he attacks and I move just in time to dodge his initial shove. He follows up with another attempt to trip me, but I react faster and step back before he can make contact. He stops, something like approval flickering in his gaze. 'Not bad, but –" Before I can ask, his arm hooks around my waist. A startled yelp escapes me as he lifts me off the ground with ease. 'Damian!" I shriek. He laughs. Actually laughs. 'What?" You said you didn't want to be knocked down, or at least that is what I thought I heard you say." 'I didn't." 'Well, your face said it for you," he says, still laughing. I glance around at the pack members on the training grounds. They've all stopped what they're doing to watch us. Some are smiling, like they are happy to see him so carefree. Others watch on, flashes of concern going across their faces. And then there is Simon, who stares blankly. As he spins me around, I finally tell him, 'This isn't what I meant." He finishes twirling me before setting me down, keeping his firm grip so I don't immediately collapse. 'You're improving though, and only with one training session." I shove at his chest playfully. 'Next time, I'm tripping you." His smirk is downright arrogant. 'I'd like to see you try." I narrow my eyes at him, feeling determined that next time I will knock his feet out from under him. 'Oh, it's happening." Damian chuckles in that low, rich sound that sends an unexpected shiver down my spine. 'We'll see about that." Still catching my breath, I shake my head and start to take a step back, but he doesn't let me go. His hands remain on my waist, holding me in place with ease. My heart stutters in my chest as I glance into his golden gaze. 'Damian," I warn, though my voice betrays me. 'There are eyes everywhere." He tilts his head slightly, his golden eyes flashing with amusement and something deeper, something that makes my stomach tighten. 'What?" 'You're -" My words catch when his fingers brush against the small of my back. His smirk softens, but his gaze darkens. 'I like you this close and it's fine." I swallow hard, knowing I should step away, but I don't. Instead, I stay still as he slowly leans in. He moves like a predator, but waiting for me to make the final move. I don't know if its exhaustion or training or something else. I don't pull away. Instead, I lift my chin slightly, just enough for our noses to brush. 'Tell me to stop," he whispers against my lips. I don't. And that is all the confirmation he needs. His lips brush mine. It's soft at first, barely there, but when I don't pull away, he deepens the kiss. It's slow and intentional, like he's savoring the moment. I know eyes are on us, yet I don't care. My fingers curl against his chest. For a moment, I forget everything. The training, the threats, the war, and anything else he has mentioned. It's just this and him. When he finally pulls back, his eyes search mine. His thumb traces lightly along my hip, sending another wave of heat through me. 'You didn't trip me," he teases. 'Oh, shut up," I say as I roll my eyes, completely breathless. He leans in, grinning, then steals another quick kiss. 'Guess that means I win."